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Red Deer Roadtrips: Winter Sports Edition

When the temperature drops, there’s lots of temptation to stay in and plan your events around whether or not you’ll be close to a major heat source. Fortunately, there’s plenty of great reasons to do the polar opposite and opt to spend a weekend in Red Deer putting the ‘physical’ in ‘outdoor physical activity.’ For accommodations, you won’t find better than the combo Motel 6/Days Inn located right off the QEII. They’re conveniently located close to a myriad of shopping, dining and entertainment options, not to mention sports mainstays such as Westerner Park home of the Enmax Centrium. You’re looking at free breakfast and wifi, plus it’s pet friendly and free for kids under 17, and added bonus for families looking for budget-friendly lodging. Here’s a few places you can visit to help fill up a weekend of sport.

Bower Ponds

Fancy a wintertime bonfire? Or perhaps a group skate down one of Central Alberta’s most prominent skating ponds? With a toboggan hill and a set of walking trails close by, you can’t go wrong with Bower Ponds. Just to sweeten the deal, rentals and hot chocolate are available in the nearby Pavilion, meaning you could easily make a case for staying at Bower Ponds forever.

With that being said, Red Deer is home to 62 outdoor rinks, not just hockey rinks but also leisure skating as well as one speed-skating oval. Lace your skates up!

Canyon Ski Hill

Alberta’s largest non-mountain ski resort is the best slope game in town. Boasting 20 runs, six lifts and a 164-metre vertical drop, there’s enough room for all levels of play. Also essential for a weekend of fun is the Snow Tubing Park, featuring two runs on a steep hill – the best part being you don’t have to lug your tube back up the hill when you’re done.

Kerry Wood Nature Centre

Thanks to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, you’ll be able to see Central Alberta’s diverse wilderness up close! Red Deer offers a blinding array of trails – for your hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing pleasure, meaning you are covered for any terrain. Once you’re done exploring the great outdoors and getting your fill of wintry fresh air, head inside for more fun. Their interpretive exhibits and unique public programs provide the perfect opportunity to warm up and complete your nature experience.

Pursuit Adventures

Experience the quietude of nighttime right here in the city as you embark on a guided snowshoe tour of Heritage Ranch. Relax as the experienced guides at Pursuit Adventure lead you through the trails into the starry night. Finish the evening with a locally brewed beer and wings at the Westlake Grill – all included in the price of the experience!

No matter your physical activity level, interests or age – there’s plenty of sporting fun awaiting you in Red Deer. The convenience that both Motel 6 and Days Inn Red Deer offer makes these hotels great stays for a sports themed weekend in Red Deer.